Angle adjustment device for disc-type coulters

ABSTRACT

The present invention involves a seed firmer with a pusher attachment that extends the life of the seed firmer and brackets for mounting the same to a planter. The disclosed invention additionally involves an adjustment mechanism for seed or grain drill planters which allows for the adjustment of the camber and/or toe of individual coulters on the planter.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/154,946, filed Oct. 9, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,842,070,issued Nov. 23, 2020; which claims priority to the PCT InternationalApplication Serial No. PCT/US2016/066214, filed Dec. 12, 2016, whichclaims priority under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Applications62/312,221; 62/278,081; and 62/270,957; filed on Mar. 23, 2016; Jan. 13,2016; and Dec. 22, 2015; respectively, the discloses of each of theseapplications are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The invention relates to agricultural planting implements. Morespecifically, the field of the invention is that of seed firmers andbrackets for mounting them to planters.

Description of the Related Art

Grain drills or seed drills are automatic sowing machines which positionseeds in the soil before covering them. Traditionally grain drillscomprise a hopper for holding seeds, a means for metering seeds from thehopper, a series of tubes for distributing seeds from the metering meansto the planting mechanism, and one or more planting mechanisms fordigging a furrow, depositing the seeds, and covering the furrow. Seedsmay be delivered via gravity or using air pressure to move seeds throughthe tubes.

One example of a planting mechanism 10 is shown in FIG. 29. Sucharrangements may be referred to using a variety of names such as a“gang”, an “opener” or a “run”. Modern planters may comprise numerousindividual planting units, sometimes eighty or more, often arranged in astaggered array (as shown in FIG. 31) to allow closer spacing.Individual planting mechanisms commonly comprise a tool bar 15 to whichthe other members are attached. The tool bar 15 usually includes one ormore attachment points 20 which allow the tool bar to be mounted to aplanter unit, raised and lowered between a working position and a travelposition, and removed for maintenance. One or more coulters 30, 35 opena furrow to the desired depth for the planting of seeds. In thisparticular example, disc-type coulters are shown in a dual coulterarrangement. Coulter 35 is shown in outline form so as not to obscurethe area between the coulters. A seed tube 40 is mounted to the tool bar15 and delivers seeds to the furrow opened between the coulters. Oncethe seeds have been deposited in the furrow, a closing wheel 25 coversthe seeds and closes the furrow.

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of another planting mechanism 45. Thisparticular example also shows a dual coulter 65, 66 arrangement with aseed tube 70 delivering seeds between the coulters 65, 66 into theopened furrow. In this example, tool bar 60 is shown in outline form soas not to obscure the area between the coulters. A closing wheel 50 isalso attached to the tool bar 60. As seen from the top, the coulters 65,66 are not parallel to one another but rather disposed at an anglerelative to one another and to the tool bar. This outward or negative“toe” allows the coulters to cut and clear a furrow. In some examples,the coulters may also have a camber, that is, the coulter is notdisposed perpendicular to the ground. Rather, the portion of thecoulters which contact the ground and usually closer together than theportions which are distal from the ground (i.e., they have a positivecamber angle). In existing planters, the toe and camber angles ofcoulters are fixed and can only be adjusted by replacing the coultersand/or the mounting members to which the coulters are attached. As seenin FIG. 31, individual planting mechanisms 45 may be arranged in astaggered fashion so as to allow for closer spacing on a planter.

Optionally, a planting mechanism may further include a seed firmerdisposed between the coulters and the closing wheel. Seed firmers areknown and used extensively in agricultural planting systems. Suchfirmers add to the expense of a planting implement but are thought tomore than pay for themselves in terms of increased yield. U.S. Pat. No.5,425,318 describes one type of seed firmer; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,730,074,5,852,982, 6,082,274, and 6,220,191 describe seed firmers having liquiddispensing arrangements; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,497,174 describes amounting system for seed firmers. Complicated mounting systems andbracket devices are used to mount the firmers on planters for use duringthe planting season, typically attached to the seed chute.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a seed firmer construction which provides areplaceable tip or end for extending the life of the firmer. The seedfirmer generally has two components that degrade with use, the flexiblearm and the embedding pusher. The flexible arm generally lasts muchlonger than the embedding pusher portion because the pusher wearsagainst the ground and eventually wears away. Embodiments of theinvention include an embedding pusher portion that has a stop and aguide for accepting a replaceable extender. Other embodiments include anembedding pusher portion that engages the rest of the firmer arm. Thus,the portion of the firmer that wears down may be easily replaced whichextends the life of the firmer, multiple times over the useful life ofthe flexible arm.

In one embodiment, the end of the firmer has a slot that is bounded by astop portion. The embedding pusher attachment slides into the slot andabuts the stop portion. The bottom of the embedding pusher operates in aconventional manner pushing the seed downwardly into the ground to thusembed the seed in the soil. During the usable life of the firmer, theflexible portion may operate on several embedding pusher attachments. Inanother embodiment, the embedding end is attached to the flexible arm,with the pusher attachment detachably extending from the embedding arm.In further embodiment, the arm of the attachment portion of the firmerhas a connecting portion that attaches to a replaceable embeddingelement.

The embodiments of the firmer of the present invention optionallyprovide a passageway for fluid to be dispensed proximate the end of thefirmer. The end of the passageway includes a directional attachment thatdirects fluid in relation to the end of the firmer. Other embodimentsattach to the planting system either by connection to the seed tube, orconnection to a mounting bracket on the planter. A further embodimentincludes a delivery tube deployed within the walls of the embeddingportion, with the end cap of the tube providing alternative passagewaysfor the dispensing of liquid.

In one embodiment, the embedding arm has a width that expands from thewidth of about a seed at the bottom to double or triple width at thetop. This narrowing of the embedding arm provides sufficient structureto support the constant interaction with the soil as the firmer ispulled through rows of plants. The thicker portion of the embedding armprovides sufficient width for the optional liquid delivery pipe or tube.

Many embodiments include an aperture at the end proximate where the seedis embedded. In one embodiment, a plug is used at that end. The plug mayinclude an overhang to protect the hole from accumulation of debris. Inone embodiment, the plug may be drilled to create either a straightbackward stream of exiting liquid, while in another embodiment the plugmay have two or more holes to create several distinct streams of exitingliquid. Another embodiment has a single plug with a through bore forcreating the straight backward stream of exiting liquid, with anadditional cap with one or more holes that create other angled streams.The cap may be snap fit or otherwise attached over the plug.

The extender portion of the firmer may attach to the pusher portion ofthe firmer via a variety of physical and mechanical couplings. Forexample, a peg in hole coupling, a glue based coupling, and a sonicwelded coupling are all possible implementations of the invention. Inseveral embodiments, a tongue and groove arrangement is used to couplethe extender and the pusher portions. In one embodiment, the extenderhas a T shaped projection on the surface interfacing with the pusherportion which has a corresponding T-shaped groove to accept theprojection and couple the two pieces together. This allows the extenderto slide into the groove until abutting the stop. In one furtherembodiment, the surfaces having the tongue and groove include a furthermating bump and depression, arranged so that the engagement of the bumpand depression deter further relative movement of the extender andpusher portions. Thus, in several embodiments, the extender may be slidinto the groove and snap fit at a precise location.

While the extender is disposed on one end of the firmer, the flexible orpushing portion is disposed at the other end and is adapted to bemounted to the planter in alignment with the seed chute. In oneembodiment, the mounting portion of the pushing portion has elementsthat interfit and complement elements on the seed chute so that thepusher portion is directly aligned with the seed chute. In anotherembodiment, the pushing portion has a flat mounting end that isconfigured for engagement with a mounting device for holding a flatflange.

Liquid delivery is provided by a tube and discharge path formed in thefirmer. In one embodiment, the solid firmer has a passageway shaped toreceive a pipe, in one embodiment a curved pipe. Once the firmer isfirst molded, the curved pipe is inserted while the firmer material issetting up. One end of the pipe is attached to a tube, typically aplastic tube, to receive liquid (e.g., water, fertilizer, herbicides,and/or insecticides) from a source. In one embodiment, that first end ofthe pipe has ridges or is gnarled or otherwise roughened to enhance theconnection of the tube. The other side of the pipe faces a dischargearea of the firmer. An internal channel leads to a discharge passage. Inone embodiment, a central discharge passage is straight back of thefirmer. In another embodiment, multiple passages are present to directliquid discharge at an angle to the body of the firmer. In yet anotherembodiment, a cap may be placed over the central discharge passage toredirect the discharging liquid in various angles.

Other embodiments of the invention include a firmer defined by a pair ofsidewalls. The sidewalls hold the liquid tube proximate the end of thefirmer, and attach to the mounting end of the firmer. The extender isdetachably connected to the sidewalls, and may thus be replaced whensufficiently worn without having to replace the other portions of thefirmer.

In yet another embodiment, the mounting portion of the firmer includesthe pushing arm, and the end of the pushing arm attaches to theextender/embedding portion of the firmer. The optional liquid pipe maybe included in the extender/embedding portion, or may be optionallycoupled to the extender/embedding portion.

The present invention, in one form, relates to a seed firmer having aflexible portion and an embedding pusher portion. The flexible portionbiases the embedding pusher portion into the soil. The embedding pusherportion includes a slot for receiving an embedding pusher attachment,the stop bounded at the end by a stop portion which retains theembedding pusher attachment as it is drawn over the soil.

In other embodiments the present invention relates to mounting bracketsusable to mount firmers such as those previously described to planters.In one such embodiment a mounting bracket includes a mounting portiondesigned and configured to secure the bracket to an existing mountingpoint on a planter tool arm using existing bolts or other hardware. Thebracket also includes a firmer securing housing configured to allowinsertion of a portion of a firmer therein and capable of securing thefirmer to the bracket. The firmer is secured when a protrusion on thefirmer engages a corresponding notch or slot in the firmer housing. Thefirmer may be removed by deforming or flexing the firmer until theprotrusion is disengaged from the notch or slot and the firmer may bewithdrawn.

In another embodiment, a mounting bracket is secured to a desiredlocation on a planter tool arm using newly created mounting pointsand/or mounting hardware. The bracket includes a firmer securing housingconfigured to allow insertion of a portion of a firmer therein andcapable of securing the firmer to the bracket. The firmer is securedwhen a protrusion on the firmer engages a corresponding notch or slot inthe firmer housing. The firmer may be removed by deforming or flexingthe firmer until the protrusion is disengaged from the notch or slot andthe firmer may be withdrawn.

In still another embodiment, a mounting bracket includes a firmermounting portion having a slotted portion sized and adapted to receive aportion of the firmer. The firmer is then bolted or otherwise secured tothe mounting bracket where the slotted portion prevents the firmer fromtwisting out of alignment while in use. Depth of the firmer in a furrowmay be adjusted by positioning the firmer within the slotted portion atthe desired depth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention itself will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the firmer of the presentinvention shown in use.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of FIG. 1 showing a through channel.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the extender ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the firmer of the first embodiment ofthe present invention showing the interconnection of the extender andfirmer body.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an end portion of the first embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the liquid dispensing end of the secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are cross-sectional views of three embodiments of aliquid dispensing plug according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the interconnection of the extender andthe firmer body of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a side view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is another side view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is still another side view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG.16.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a firmer attached to the mounting bracketshown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is another perspective view of the mounting bracket shown inFIG. 20.

FIG. 25 is a side view of a mounting bracket according to still anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is another perspective view of the mounting bracket shown inFIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a close up perspective view of the mounting bracket shown inFIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is a side perspective view of a planting mechanism for a graindrill known in the art.

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of a planting mechanism for a grain drillknown in the art.

FIG. 31 is a top plan view of a plurality planting mechanisms from FIG.30 for a grain drill known in the art.

FIG. 32 is side perspective view of one embodiment of the disclosedinvention.

FIG. 33 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is another rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is a side view of another embodiment of the disclosed inventionwith a seed firmer.

FIG. 36 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the disclosedinvention.

FIG. 37 is a top plan view of still another embodiment of the disclosedinvention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Although the drawings representembodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarilyto scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to betterillustrate and explain the present invention. The exemplification setout herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, in several forms,and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scopeof the invention in any manner.

DESCRIPTION

The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive orlimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the followingdetailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and describedso that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings.

FIG. 1 shows seed firmer 100 disposed in operation, having embeddingpusher portion, or extender, 110 positioned relative to seed chute 10 ina conventional manner Seed chute 10 is positioned relative to disc 40 bymount 30 so that chute 10 delivers seeds 50 to trough 60, with extenderportion 110 being so positioned to embed seeds 50 into the soil oftrough 60. Firmer 100 includes interior channel 70 which extends fromnipples 80 to end point 90, and is sized to receive tube 20, which inthis exemplary embodiment involves conventional liquid tubes thatdeliver herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides, and/or mixtures of thosechemicals to deposit on or near seed 50 once embedded.

Firmer 100 has an attachment portion, extender 110, that is located at aposition on firmer 100 that contacts and embeds seeds 50 into the soildefining trough 60. In one embodiment, extender 110 fits into slot 410in firmer 100 (see FIG. 4), with slot 410 bounded by hard stop portion510 (see FIG. 5) that retains extender 110 against the direction ofmovement of firmer 100 over the soil. In this embodiment, extender 110has tongue 420 having a “T” shape that slideably engages slot 410 sothat when not in use, extender 110 may be easily replaced. When firmer100 is in use, the force subjected to extender 110 urges it into hardstop 510. The exact shape and arrangement of the slideable engagement ofslot 410 and tongue 420 may have several variations, for example acircular or arc shaped tongue and slot, or a tongue and slot withseveral angles.

Extender 110 (see FIG. 3) may be made of conventional materials so thatseeds 50 are pressed by the conventional surface and the material wearssimilarly to conventional firmers. However, once embedding surface 330wears away so as to diminish the capacity of firmer 100, extender 110may be replaced. Replacement is made without removing firmer 100 frommount 30. Instead, a farmer may simply slide the old one of extender 110and slide in a new one. Hard stop 510 limits the range of motion ofextender 110, and when firmer 100 is drawn across trough 60 thenextender 110 is pressed into hard stop 510.

Firmer 100 also has an elongated interior channel 70 which is structuredand arranged to receive tube 72, which in the disclosed embodiment is aconvention liquid delivery tube, for delivering liquid on or near anembedded one of seeds 50 (see FIGS. 2 and 5). An open end of interiorchannel 70 is configured to receive nipple 80, which serves as a fluidconnection between supply tube 20 and interior tube 72. Interior tube 72is disposed within channel 70 and supported by tube holder 25, which inone embodiment includes a washer-shaped piece having a perimeter roughlycongruent to the shape of interior channel 70.

End point 90 may be configured to be an outlet at one end of channel 70,with that end of channel 70 initially manufactured so that end point 90closes one end of channel 70. This allows customization of a singlepiece, so that the exit holes may be drilled to suit the particularapplication. For example, a straight hole in facing surface 94 deliversliquid directly over embedded seed 50 (a “straight shooter”), which maybe good for an insecticide, while side surfaces 92 may have holesdrilled in them so that liquid is delivered on each side of embeddedseed 50 (a “split shooter”), which may be better for fertilizer. In oneembodiment (not shown), channel 70 is structured and arranged toaccommodate multiple tube so that a series of end points are associatedwith each tube, allowing for combinations of straight shooters and splitshooters in a single seed firmer.

Other embodiments have a tube disposed within the body of the firmer,for example the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 10. The embodiment of FIG. 6has flexing portion 640 coupling flat end 650 and embedding arm 680.Pipe 670 extends from embedding portion 680 and extends within portion680 to spray nozzle 690. Pipe 670 is structured and arranged to receivea flexible tube (not shown) over its exposed end, and may have aroughed, serrated, or ridged surface to further engage the flexibletube. Firmer 600 may also have one or more tube retention pieces 675 toretain the flexible tube with firmer 600. Extender 610 engages embeddingarm 680 as shown in FIG. 9 and described below. The embodiment of FIG.10 has flexing portion 1040 coupling chute end 1050 and embedding arm1080. Pipe 1070 extends from embedding portion 1080 and extends withinportion 1080 to spray nozzle 1090. Pipe 1070 is structured and arrangedto receive a flexible tube (not shown) over its exposed end, and mayhave a roughed, serrated, or ridged surface to further engage theflexible tube. Firmer 1000 may also have one or more tube retentionpieces 1075 to retain the flexible tube with firmer 1000. Extender 1010engages embedding arm 1080 as shown in FIG. 9 and described below.

Embodiments of the inventive firmers of the present application may bemounted on the planting equipment in a variety of ways. In oneembodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, firmer 1000 includes seed chuteconnection portion 1050 structured and arranged to be connected to theexterior mounting of a seed chute (not shown). In another embodiment,shown in FIG. 6, firmer 600 has flat end 650 so that firmer 600 may beattached within a planter bracket assembly similar to that disclosed inthe aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 7,497,174. Embodiments disclosed in thepresent application may be adapted to either mounting style.

In addition to the alternative styles of mounting to a seed chute (notshown), embodiments of the invention also have alternative arrangementsof the replaceable embedding portion of the firmer. FIG. 6 shows firmer600 having embedding end 680 with spray nozzle 690 and extender 610.Firmer also has flat end 650 merging into flexible arm 640 whichresiliently biases embedding end 680. Liquid, such as pesticide,herbicide, and/or fertilizer, may be directed proximate embedding end680 by a flexible tube (not shown) being engaged with arm 675 andattaching to fixed tube 670. Fixed tube 670 extends through embeddingend 680 to nozzle 690. FIG. 7 shows a view of embedding end 680 from theperspective of the trailing embedded seed. Extender 610 is the portionof firmer 600 pushing a seed (not shown in FIG. 7) into the ground. Inthis embodiment, embedding end 680 generally narrows to the general sizeof the seed, with nozzle 690 extending over the location of the embeddedseed.

Firmer 600 may have alternative versions of nozzle 690. In thealternative embodiment of FIG. 8A, central bore 800 extends throughcylindrically shaped nozzle 690′ and terminates at angled passages 810and 820, which are structured and arranged to direct liquid to aposition offset from the seed. Flange 830 extends outward to shield thespace through which angled passages 810 and 820 direct fluid. Valley 840is located proximate the open end of central bore 800, and is structuredand arranged to be engaged by a ridge or bump within embedding end 680to secure the position of nozzle 690′. The alternative embodiment ofFIG. 8B has central passage 850 for directing fluid onto the seed. Afurther alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 8C, which includessplitter 692 that attaches over nozzle 690′ so that fluid coming throughcentral passage 850 is directed in other directions through splitterholes 694, for example with similar angles as passages 810 and 820 ofthe embodiment of FIG. 8A. The exact shape, size, and angle of splitterholes 694 may be varied for several unillustrated alternativeembodiments of splitter 692.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, extender 610 engages embedding end 680. Oneembodiment of the connection of extender 10 and embedding end 680 isdepicted in the arrangement of FIG. 9. In this arrangement, embeddingend 680 has T-shaped tongue 684 extending from stop portion 682 andbelow bottom surface 686. Tongue 684 is structured and arranged to matchthe contour of recess 614 of extender 610. Near the end of tongue 684opposite stop 682, bottom surface 686 has a recess portion 688. Recessportion 688 is structured and arranged to engage with ribs 612 whichextend from extender 610. The engagement of ribs 612 with recess portion688 allows extender 610 to be slid onto tongue 684 without anyimpediment, and when stop end 616 of extender 610 nears stop portion682, then ribs 612 are close to engagement with recess portion 688 andthus provides a slide in and lock procedure for securing extender 610with embedding end 680.

Other embodiments of the invention involve the firmer having a centralportion with attachment, flexing, and embedding portions connectedtogether by a sandwiching arrangement between corresponding sidewalls,for example the embodiments of FIGS. 11 and 12. In the embodiment ofFIG. 11, firmer 1100 has flat end 1150, central portion 1140, andembedding end 1180 formed in one integral piece. Pipe 1170 is disposedover embedding portion 1180, and under upper portion 1185, with extender1110 abutting embedding portion 1180. Sidewalls 130 sandwich thosecomponents, and in some embodiments hold all together, using connectors1145 received in sidewall holes 1135. In other unillustratedembodiments, extender 1110 may have a tongue-groove connection withembedding portion 1180, and be independent of, or alternativelysandwiched between, sidewalls 1130. Connectors 1145, which may be in theform of a screw, rod, putty, or other piece of connecting material andcombinations of those, may secure sidewalls 1130 as sandwiching platesholding other components in their desired positions. In someembodiments, one or more connectors 1145 are releasable or otherwisealterable, while in other embodiments all connectors 1145 are fixed andengage sidewalls 1130, including extending through other components offirmer 1100. The embodiment of FIG. 12 has similar features to that ofFIG. 11, with the exception that chute end 1250 being structured andarranged for connection to a conventional seed chute (not shown).

A further embodiment having separate attaching and embedding portions isshown in FIG. 13. In this embodiment, flexible portion 1340 and flat end1350 (which could in another embodiment be replaced by a chute end, notshown here) are formed as a single integral piece, and embedding arm1380 is formed as a separate piece. In this embodiment, pipe 1370extends from connection portion 1350 to spray nozzle 1390, and thebottom of connection portion 1350 abuts flange 1330 of flexible portion1340. Extender 1310 is connected to embedding arm 1380 with a tongue andgroove connection similar to some previous embodiments. Connector 1345,which may be in the form of a screw, rod, putty, or other piece ofconnecting material, extends through flange 1330 to couple withconnection portion 1350. In alternative embodiments (not shown), pipe1370 may enter embedding arm 1380 above the overlap with flexibleportion 1340 so that connector 1345 in that embodiment is affixed fromthe top.

Another embodiment shown in FIG. 14 has a two piece design for firmer1400, with flexible portion 1440 having connection portion 1430 insertedinto receiving portion 1435 or embedding portion 1480. In thisembodiment, flat end 1450 may be alternatively shaped as a chute portion(not shown), and extender 1410 may be attached to embedding portion 1480by a tongue and groove connection, or other connection.

An additional embodiment having a less substantial embedding portion isshown as firmer 1500 in FIG. 15. In this embodiment, flat end 1550(which may alternatively be a chute end, not shown) has tube brackets1575 disposed along flexible portion 1540 and embedding portion 1580 toprovide for holding a tube (not shown) along the upper body of firmer1500 to dispensing passage 1585 and spray nozzle 1590. Extender 1510, inthis embodiment, may be attached to embedding portion 1580 via a tongueand groove connection, and is substantially thicker than those of theprevious embodiments. This arrangement maximizes the size of replaceableextender 1510. Because of the greater size of extender 1510, the size ofembedding portion 1580 is reduced. Thus, a pipe may not be feasiblewithin embedding portion 1580, rather provision is made for attachmentto flexible tube 1520. Flexible tube 1520 may be connected to a liquiddelivery system (not shown) for dispensing water, nutrients, pesticides,and/or herbicides.

Seed firmers such as those described above as well as other types offirmers must be mounted to a plater properly to be effective. A firmershould be attached in a position on the plater so that the embeddingportion can contact the seed after it has been deposited in the furrowbut before the furrow is closed. The firmer should also be mounted insuch a way that it is able to move and flex freely without interferingwith the existing planter equipment. Many modern planters include avariety of devices such as disks, wheels, knives, and the like foropening, closing, and conditioning the soil as well as one or more tubesor chutes for delivering seeds as well as fertilizers, soil amendments,and treatments such as fungicides, pesticides, herbicides, and the like.Typically there is very little room on a modern planter for attaching afirmer mounting bracket so that it can be effective and not interferewith the operation of the planter and/or without making modifications tothe placement and operation of the planter's existing assemblies.

Firmer mounting bracket 1600 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention is shown in FIGS. 16-19. In this particular example, mountingbracket 1600 includes mounting portion 1630 for securing the bracket tothe planter and firmer attachment housing 1610 for removably securingfirmer 1620 to bracket 1600. Mounting portion 1630 is bolted to plantertool arm 1670 such that mounting bracket 1600 is disposed betweenopening disks 1640 of the planter which allows firmer 1620 to contactthe ground aft of seed tube 1770. In this particular example, mountingbracket 1600 is secured to planter tool arm 1670 using existing bolts1660 which are already a part of the planter. Bolt 1660 passed throughmounting arm 1680 portion of mounting portion 1630. Mounting bracket1600 in this example is installed without having to modify the planteror use additional hardware. In other examples, mounting points may bedrilled or other otherwise machined into the planter tool arm and themounting bracket secured to the planter using bolts or other fastenersnot original to the planter. In still other examples, existing mountingpoints may be used in combination with aftermarket bolts, washers,bushings, or other fasteners adapted for use with the mounting bracketsof the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 18, in this example the positioning of mounting bracket1600 between opening disks 1640 of the planter allows firmer 1620 to bedisposed aft of seed tube 1770 which is typically disposed somewherebetween the opening disks. Contacting portion 1690 of firmer 1620 maythen press the seeds into the furrow before closing wheels 1700 coverthe furrow with soil. Optionally, firmer 1620 may be equipped with oneor more tubes or channels for delivering fertilizers or other amendmentsor substances to the furrow before closing by closing wheels 1700. Theexact positioning of firmer 1620 relative to opening disks 1640 andclosing wheels 1700 may vary according to the particular planter and/orfirmer being used.

The cover of firmer attachment housing 1610 has been removed in FIGS.18-19 so the interior may be visible. The cover is secured to housing1610 at one or more attachment points 1710 using screws, bolts, or othersuitable fasteners. Optionally pins or other protrusions may be used tohelp insure the housing cover is correctly aligned with the housing whensecuring it. Housing 1610 includes at least one receiving chamber 1720having opening 1730 for receiving and securing mounting end 1740 of thefirmer. Housing 1610 may include additional openings 1750 as desired,such as to allow passage of fertilizer tube 1760 through housing 1610.

Firmer 1620 is engaged with mounting bracket housing 1610 by slidingmounting end 1740 of firmer 1620 into housing opening 1730 until catch1780 on firmer 1620 snaps into receiving slot 1790 in the housing. Oncecatch 1780 and slot 1790 are engaged with one another, firmer 1620 isprevented from backing out of housing 1610. To remove the firmer, a flatbladed tool such as a screwdriver or similar tool is inserted intohousing opening 1730 between housing 1610 and firmer 1620 on the sameside of firmer 1620 as catch 1780. Pressure is then applied to the toolto urge firmer 1620 away from housing 1610 which flexes firmer 1620 andcauses catch 1780 to disengage slot 1790 thereby allowing firmer 1620 tobe withdrawn from housing 1610. A worn or broken firmer may then bereplaced by a new firmer.

When in use, the size and configuration of housing 1610 and chamber 1720allows firmer 1620 to flex to the degree necessary for effectiveperformance. Because firmer 1620 is not fixed to housing 1610 in thisparticular example, firmer 1620 is free to flex along the entire lengthof firmer 1620 including portion 1740 inserted into mounting bracket1600. The exact amount of flexure required may vary according to anumber of factors including soil composition, weather conditions, thetype and variety of seeds being planted, and the like. The degree offlexure may be adjustable, optionally using a screw or bolt. Adjustmentscrew 1650 may thus be inserted into housing 1610 until the end of screw1800 is the desired distance away from firmer 1620. As the firmer flexesduring use, the firmer contacts the screw which prevents flexure beyonda predetermined range. In other examples, firmer 1620 may includeprotrusion 1810 which prevents flexure of the firmer beyond apredetermined degree by contacting wall 1820 of the housing. Suchprotrusion 1810 may be sized so as to allow as much or as little flexureas desired.

Another example of mounting bracket 2000 according to an embodiment ofthe present invention is shown in FIGS. 20-24. In this particularexample, mounting bracket 2000 includes mounting portion 2010 forsecuring the bracket to the planter and firmer attachment portion 2020for removably securing the firmer to the bracket. Mounting portion 2010is bolted to planter tool arm 2030 such that mounting bracket 2000 isdisposed between the opening disks (removed for the sake of clarity) ofthe planter which allows firmer 2040 to contact the ground aft of seedtube 2050. In this particular example, mounting bracket 2000 is securedto planter tool arm 2030 using bolts. Two bolts 2060 pass throughmounting portion 2010. Mounting bracket 2000 in this example isinstalled by modifying the planter by drilling two holes for mountingbolts 2060. In other examples, existing mounting points and bolts orfasteners may be used. In still other examples, existing mounting pointsmay be used in combination with aftermarket bolts, washers, bushings, orother fasteners adapted for use with the mounting brackets ofembodiments of the present invention.

Mounting bracket 2000 in the present example is positioned such thatcontacting portion 2080 of firmer 2040 may press the seeds into thefurrow prior to closing wheels 2070 closing the furrow and a firming orpressing wheel (not shown) firming the closed furrow. Optionally, firmer2040 may be equipped with one or more tubes or channels for deliveringfertilizer or other amendments or substances to the furrow beforeclosing by closing wheels 2070. The exact positioning of firmer 2040relative to opening disks and closing wheels 2070 may vary according tothe particular planter and/or firmer being used.

In this particular example mounting bracket 2000 does not include abracket housing. Rather, firmer 2040 is secured to firmer attachmentportion 2020 of bracket 2000 using screws, bolts, pins, straps, or othersuitable means. The exact nature of the attachment mechanism may varyaccording to the make, model, and/or style of firmer being used. In thisparticular example, firmer 2040 is secured to firmer attachment portion2020 of the mounting bracket using strap 2090. The general nature offirmer attachment portion 2020 in this example allows a wide variety ofmakes and models of firmers to be used with the bracket 2000.Positioning of firmer 2040 relative to mounting bracket 2000 isoptionally insured by matching protrusion 2100 on the firmer withcorresponding notch 2110 in the mounting bracket. In other examples, theprotrusion and notch may be of different size, shape, number, and/orconfiguration. In other examples, the firmer has one of more notches andthe bracket has one or more protrusions. In still other examples, eachof the firmer and bracket has a mix of protrusions and notches. Firmer2040 in this example includes mounting portion 2120 attached to flexiblearm portion 2130. The degree of flexure allowed by flexible arm portion2130 is adjustable using screw 2140. Flexure of arm 2130 is preventedbeyond a desired set point by screw 2140 contacting mounting portion2120 of firmer 2040. By adjusting the length of screw 2140 protrudingthrough flexible arm portion 2130, the degree of flexure of firmer 2040may be increased or decreased as desired.

Another example of mounting bracket 2200 according to embodiments of thepresent invention is shown in FIGS. 25-28. In this particular example,mounting bracket 2200 is designed to be mounted to tool arm 2210 of theplanter on the closing wheel assembly rather than on or near the openingwheel assembly of the previous examples. Mounting bracket 2200 comprisesgenerally L-shaped member 2220 which is mounted to the closing wheelassembly such that the bracket projects forward of the closing wheels soas to position the firmer aft of the opening wheels but forward ofclosing wheels 2230. Optionally, generally L-shaped bracket 2220 may becomprised of two or more portions bolted, screwed, other otherwiseadjustably secured to one another. In this particular example, generallyL-shaped bracket 2220 includes generally vertical bracket member 2240secured using two bolts 2250. The exact position of vertical bracket2240 may be adjusted relative to the ground so as to adjust the depth towhich firmer 2260 extends into a furrow. Once desired firmer 2260positioning is achieved bolts 2250 may be tightened. Optionally,vertical bracket member 2240 and generally L-shaped member 2220 includemultiple holes 2270 so a variety of positions may be achieved. L-shapedmember 2220 may optionally include cross member 2280 to increase thestrength and stability of bracket 2200.

Mounting bracket 2200 is secured to planter tool arm 2210 usingpre-existing bolt 2290 and attachment point on the planter. Existingbolt 2290 is removed, the bracket positioned, and the bolt insertedthrough the bracket and tightened to the original planterspecifications. Optionally, additional hardware such as washers,bushings, longer bolts, and the like may be used. In still otherexamples a new mounting point may be machined in the planter and newfasteners used where no suitable fasteners or attachment points exist.

Optionally firmer 2260 and/or bracket 2200 may include slot 2320allowing for finer adjustment to the firmer depth. In this particularexample, finer adjustment of firmer 2260 depth is achieved by looseningbolt 2310 which secures firmer 2260 to bracket 2200, adjusting thepositioning of firmer 2260 by sliding it up or down relative to bracket2200, then tightening bolt 2310. Optionally, slot 2300 may be machinedinto generally vertical member 2240 sized and configured so thatmounting portion 2340 of firmer 2260 may slide therein. Seating offirmer mounting portion 2340 in slot 2310 helps prevent twisting offirmer 2260 during use.

In other examples, a generally L-shaped bracket designed for mounting tothe closing wheel portion of the planter tool arm such as is shown inFIGS. 26-29 may be used in conjunction with firmer mounting systems suchas the housing shown in FIGS. 16-20 or the system shown in FIGS. 21-25.In other examples, the firmer mounting system shown in FIGS. 26-29 maybe used in conjunction with a bracket that is mounted to the openingwheel portion of the planter tool arm.

A variety of factors may determine the optimal positioning of coultersduring planting so as to achieve the desired seed positioning. Soil type(sandy, loamy, clay, etc.), soil moisture content, field litter (such asplant material from previous crops), and ground speed may all affect thequality of the furrow being opened by the coulters. If the coulters arefixed in position relative to one another then the operator must adjustother variables (such as ground speed during planting) or performadditional work to improve conditions (such as additional passes withimplements to break up field litter or hard soil). Allowing the positionof the coulters relative to one another to be adjusted allows theoperator to achieve better furrow production and seed placement under awider variety of field conditions.

One illustrative example of the disclosed invention is shown in FIGS.32-34. In this particular embodiment, planting mechanism 4100 comprisestool bar 4105 operationally attached to two disc-type coulters 4115,4120. Tool bar 4105 includes attachment point 4125 configured andarranged so that the planting mechanism may be mounted to a planter. Inthis particular example, attachment point 4125 is configured to allowattachment of the planting mechanism to a seed drill planter. In otherexamples, the attachment point may be configured to allow attachment ofthe planting mechanism to a row crop planter. In still other examples,the attachment point may be a mounting plate, hinge, or other suitableattachment means. In still other examples, more than one attachmentpoint may be used. Tool bar 4105 further includes slot or channel 4110allowing items such as a seed tube or delivery devices for deliveringfertilizer to pass therethrough. In other examples, mounting or securingbrackets for attachment of such items may also be included.

Disc coulters 4115, 4120 are each operationally connected to tool bar4105 by spindle or axle 4135 and 4136, respectively. Spindles 4135, 4136are capable of pivoting relative to tool bar 105 such that the positionof coulters 4115, 4120 relative to tool bar 4105 and the ground isadjustable. For example, coulters as shown in FIG. 34 are positionedsuch that the edges of the discs contacting the soil are closer togetherthan the edges of the discs distal from the ground. That is, the discshave a positive camber angle. The coulters are also positioned such thatthe edges of the discs closest to attachment point 4125 of tool bar 4105are farther apart than the edges of the discs distal from the attachmentpoint. That is, the discs have a negative toe or a toe out. When thediscs have been adjusted to the desired position relative to the toolbar, the position of spindles 4135, 4136 may be locked in place bytightening locking pin 4130, 4131. In this particular example, lockingpins 4130 and 4131 are shown as bolts which contact spindles 4135, 4136when tightened thereby securing the spindles in place relative to thetool bar. In other examples, the locking pins may be set screws, pins,plates, or the like. In still other examples, the spindles may includenotches, grooves, or other indents sized and configured to receive thelocking pins. These indents may be positioned so as to create one ormore “preset” orientations for the coulters.

As seen in FIG. 34, the positioning of coulters 4115, 4120 have beenadjusted from that shown in FIG. 33. In this illustration, the coultersare position such that the edges in contact with the ground arerelatively the same distance apart from one another as the edges distalfrom the ground are apart from each other. That is, the coulters have anear zero or neutral camber. The edges of the coulters which are nearestthe attachment point for the tool bar are farther apart from one anotherthan the edges which are distal from the attachment point, but thedifference is not as great as shown in FIG. 33. That is, the coultershave a positive toe in FIG. 34, but a smaller toe than the discs shownin FIG. 33.

In this particular example, tool bar 4105 further includes attachmentpoint 4140 to which other devices may be attached. For example, a firmertool, a closing wheel, or both, may be attached to attachment point4140. Attachment point 4140 is shown as a series of bolt holes in thisexample, but in other examples it may be mounting pins, bolts, eye bolt,hook, or other suitable mounting devices. In still other examples, theattachment point allows for pivotable or adjustable mounting of a devicesuch that the position of the mounted device may be adjusted relative tothe tool bar in a fashion similar to how the coulters are adjustable.

FIG. 35 shows another embodiment of the disclosed invention whichfurther comprises seed firmer 4400 disposed in operation, havingembedding pusher portion, or extender, 4415 positioned relative to seedchute 4410 in a conventional manner Seed chute 4410 is positionedrelative to disc coulter 4440 by mount 4430 so that chute 4410 deliversseeds 4450 to trough 4460, with extender portion 4415 being sopositioned to embed seeds 4450 into the soil of trough 4460. Firmer 4400includes interior channel 4470 which extends from nipples 4480 to endpoint 4490, and is sized to receive tube 4420, which in this exemplaryembodiment involves conventional liquid tubes that deliver herbicides,fertilizers, pesticides, and/or mixtures of those chemicals to depositon or near seed 4450 once embedded.

FIG. 36 shows an alternate embodiment of the disclosed invention. Inthis particular embodiment, dual coulters 4620, 4630 are attached atdifferent distances along the length of tool bar 4610. This particularexample results in planting mechanism 4600 where one coulter 4620 iscloser to the point where tool bar 4610 is attached to the planter (notshown) and other coulter 4630 is closer to closing wheel 4640. Bothcoulters 4620, 4630 are fully adjustable as previously discussed abovewith respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 32-34.

FIG. 37 shows yet another embodiment of the disclosed invention. In thisparticular embodiment, planting mechanism 4700 comprises single coulter720 and closing wheel 4730 attached to tool bar 4710. Coulter 4720 isfully adjustable as previously discussed about with respect to theembodiment shown in FIGS. 32-34.

While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design,the present invention may be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains.

What is claimed is:
 1. A planting mechanism for use with seed drillplanter, comprising: a tool bar, mountable to a seed drill planter; twodisc-type coulters operationally mounted to the tool bar; and means foradjustably positioning the disc-type coulters relative to the tool bar,wherein the positioning of the disc-type coulters relative to the toolbar is lockable once the desired positioning is achieved.
 2. Theplanting mechanism of claim 1, wherein the tool bar further includes amounting point for attaching additional implements to the tool bar.
 3. Aplanting mechanism for use with seed drill planter, comprising: a toolbar, mountable to a seed drill planter; at least one disc-type coulteroperationally mounted to the tool bar; and means for adjustablypositioning of the at least one disc-type coulter relative to the toolbar, wherein the positioning of the at least one disc-type coulterrelative to the tool bar is lockable once the desired positioning isachieved.
 4. The planting mechanism of claim 3, further comprising apivotable spindle operationally connecting the at least one disc-typecoulter to the tool bar.
 5. The planting mechanism of claim 4, furthercomprising a locking pin movable between a locked and an unlockedposition; wherein the spindle may pivot when the locking pin is in theunlocked position; and wherein the spindle may not pivot when thelocking pin is in the locked position.
 6. The planting mechanism ofclaim 5, wherein the spindle further includes at least one indent sizedand configured to receive the locking pin in the locked position.
 7. Aplanting mechanism for attachment to a tool bar of a planter comprising:a closing wheel having means for attaching to a tool bar; and at leastone disc-type coulter having means for adjustably positioning of the atleast one disc-type coulter relative to the tool bar, wherein thepositioning of the at least one disc-type coulter relative to the toolbar is lockable once the desired positioning is achieved.
 8. Theplanting mechanism of claim 7, further comprising a pivotable spindleoperationally connecting the at least one disc-type coulter to the toolbar.
 9. The planting mechanism of claim 8, further comprising a lockingpin movable between a locked and an unlocked position; wherein thespindle may pivot when the locking pin is in the unlocked position; andwherein the spindle may not pivot when the locking pin is in the lockedposition.
 10. The planting mechanism of claim 9, wherein the spindlefurther includes at least one indent sized and configured to receive thelocking pin in the locked position.